A visit to Ben Thanh Market is a must for first-time travelers (BANGKOK THAILAND: THINGS TO DO). I walked there from my hotel, about a half-hour walk, and along the way, the streets were already filled with vendors, traders on motorbikes, and shops lining both sides. Even before you get to the market, there are plenty of opportunities to shop. The market itself is bustling with stalls offering all sorts of goods—clothes, shoes, bags, handcrafted souvenirs, and local delicacies.
I picked up two traditional Vietnamese slippers, and it’s all about your bargaining skills. Though I was tempted to try some local food, I hesitated, having just arrived and still figuring out the currency, which didn’t sit well with the traders. I left feeling like I had explored Ben Thanh Market on my own terms.
Water Puppet Show
The Water Puppet Show in Ho Chi Minh City is touted as a must-try cultural experience. Walking in with a large number of foreign tourists, most of them Westerners, I took my seat, the ticket already included in the tour. This art form, dating back centuries, combines puppetry with water, offering a colorful display of folklore and traditional music. The whole show is in Vietnamese, but they provide English pamphlets to help you follow along.
The show started off well, with impressive music and skilled puppetry, but after 20 minutes, it started to feel flat and boring. I was honestly bored but stayed put out of respect for others. When it ended, I couldn’t help but think that the Water Puppet Show isn’t for everyone. If you feel the same way, don’t waste your time or money.
Reunification Palace
Reunification Palace, also known as Independence Palace, is an iconic historical landmark. The outside area immediately grabs your attention, with war tanks and planes on display. These vintage and classic exhibits in the garden are impressive. After taking some photos, I joined the group to head inside. The palace, once the presidential residence, played a crucial role during the Vietnam War and has been preserved in its 1975 state.
It has five levels, and I ventured off on my own to explore various rooms, including the president's office and meeting rooms. At one point, I got lost, circling the same level, a bit dazed about which floor I was on. At the top, the view of the surrounding area and more warplanes is amazing. After soaking in the views, I rejoined my tour group. Reunification Palace is a must-visit for history buffs, and I’m sure you’ll love your time there (LAKE COMO & LUGANO: THINGS TO DO).
War Remnants Museum
The War Remnants Museum offers a deep and emotional look into the impact of the Vietnam War. Walking through the exhibits, it was heartbreaking to see the consequences of the war—the deaths, the suffering, and the lasting damage to people’s health. The museum documents the pain and resilience of those affected by the conflict. Photographs, military vehicles, and powerful displays show the human cost of war. It’s a sobering experience that will leave a lasting impression.
The outdoor section, with a torture chamber and further displays of war’s cruelty, makes you question how humans can be so brutal to each other. Visiting the War Remnants Museum will make you reflect on the horrors of war and be thankful for the peace we enjoy.
Saigon Post Office
While it doesn’t take much time to visit, Saigon Post Office is worth stopping by. Built in the early 20th century by Gustave Eiffel during Vietnam’s time as part of French Indochina, it’s an architectural gem. The vaulted roof, arched windows, and colonial-era phone booths, now repurposed as ATMs, offer a glimpse into the country’s history. The post office’s rustic colors and décor are charming and will put a smile on your face. On both sides of the building, there are stalls selling souvenirs, so you can pick up something to remember your visit by.
Notre Dame Cathedral
Just across from the Saigon Post Office is the Notre Dame Cathedral, a smaller replica of the one in Paris. Built in 1880 as a symbol of French occupation, it’s a testament to Vietnam’s colonial past. Though I only had a few moments to admire the exterior, the cathedral’s grandeur left a lasting impression. Unfortunately, the cathedral was closed during my visit, which was a bit disappointing.
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